Travels of Mark and Pat: February 2026

Saturday - February 21

Another very nice warm day but very little wind so that was pleasant. Doris came at 9 and the 3 of us went downtown for breakfast - we had planned to eat at Ella Mae's Diner but oh my....all the streets were blocked off for the big Edison Festival of Lights parade which is tonight. So we went to Farmer's Market and although very crowded (think all the folks who couldn't get in downtown, came here)? Anyway, not too long a wait and always such good food. Doris always treats her siblings on their birthday - so this was a belated celebration for Mark from his November birthday. And I enjoyed the treat, too.

The siblings celebrating Mark's belated birthday

Back home and walked over to Jim and Lydia's for games - 5-handed euchre won by Lydia and me and then Five Crowns won by Doris. Fun afternoon and then Doris was on her way - wanted to go to church this afternoon. She'll be leaving tomorrow for The Villages and a family visit and will fly home on Tuesday. We sure enjoyed her visit.

Blair competed this weekend with her competitive cheer in Greensboro, NC and her team won 1st place AGAIN! Way to go girls!

Blair and big brother Davis

Yay...we WON!!!

Friday - February 20

A very warm (87) sunny day to celebrate my birthday and it's sure been a great one!

Mark and I ran a few errands this morning including my free coffee at Starbucks (today only). I played euchre with Estelle and Diane - I taught them 2 and 3-handed and we had so much fun and so many laughs!

Euchre buddies

Pat, Diane, Estelle

When Liam and Connor visited in December, they loved one of the many authentic Mexican food trucks we have and so Mark suggested we try one today.....however, no fish or shrimp and since it's Friday during Lent??? So, off to Culvers for their yummy cod sandwich which we shared and an order of cheese curds. On home. More icing and enjoying my birthday messages.

Today is a popular day as my brother Bob celebrates (he's 6 years older), friends Kay (a special one 😊) and Fred and cousins, Dave, Amy and Michelle.

Tonight 3 of Mark's siblings and spouses joined us for my birthday dinner at Blossom and Brie....we had so much fun and sad to say bye bye to Joan and Joe who are driving home tomorrow (2-day trip) and preparing for trip to the Cleveland Clinic and pre-visit for Joan's upcoming ankle surgery on April 10th. We wish them safe travels and so enjoyed our time together this winter in Florida.

Mark, Pat, Lydia, Jim, Joe, Joan, Doris

Thank you for the phone calls, e-mails, texts and cards from family and friends! It was a wonderful day!!!

Thursday - February 19

HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY

Sweet memory from November, 2016

Patrick would have been 61 today. We sure miss him and sending love and hugs!

Mark and I were off to Dr. Friedrich's (eye surgeon) office for my follow-up. He was pleased with how they look and the blurriness and swelling is all normal. Today I change from the antibiotic ointment to Aquaphor several times a day to keep the incision moist and another gel at night time. I'm to continue with the icing 3x a day.

On home and got the ice mask on. Doris arrived at noon flying in from Chicago early this morning. So good to see her and had a nice chat before Jim and Lydia picked us up and off to Fancy's for lunch. This is such a pretty place and other than it being chilly inside, we all enjoyed our lunch.

Jim, Mark, Doris, Pat, Lydia

Back to CT and shortly after, Joe and Joan arrived with their Cricket (mini golf cart) which we'll store for them. Mark, Joe and Jim switched the air conditioners around in the she shed and then some of us enjoyed Joan's delicious brandy old fashions. We sat around the patio and visited and later Doris wanted to head back to her hotel as she had been up since 2:45 AM for her early morning flight. Soon everyone else was leaving by 4:00. Tomorrow we'll all be together celebrating my birthday.

Joan doing her muddling of the oranges and cherries

Siblings:

Jim, Doris, Joan, Mark

We played euchre tonight - 5 tables but no winnings for this household!

Fun time as always though!

Wednesday - February 18

It's Ash Wednesday and the official start of Lent. We picked up Lydia and off to St. Vincent de Paul's 9:00 Mass. The church was packed with standing room only.

Mark took us to Jim and Lydia's and we were off with Jim to furniture shop for their new home at Shell Point. Mark worked on tax stuff while we were gone. First stop was Rooms to Go and while Lydia and I started browsing with Andy (salesman), Jim went to Starbucks to bring back some treats.

We were with Andy a few hours and several tentative purchases were made for their living room, 2 bedrooms, dining table/chairs, so a big success. So many things to look at and consider.

Then to Panera for lunch. It was a fun outing and glad I could be with them as they made all these decisions which Mark and I will be going thru someday.

Quiet afternoon. Luke and friends went caving (spelunking) in Tennessee this past weekend covering 3 miles exploring! Here he is with his fellow cavers (if that's the correct term)?

Luke is 3rd from left in back

Mark's sister, Doris arrives tomorrow for 3 days of family fun!

Tuesday - February 17

Happy Mardi Gras

We were off to Cracker Barrel for a hearty, hot breakfast with some leftovers (me). Then to Publix and on home. After we put the groceries away we went for a walk. Stopped in to visit with Jim and Lydia. They are excited about their new home coming soon at Shell Point (CCRC - continuous care retirement community). We will sure miss them here at CT, but know this is a really good move for them - our time will be coming in NC.

The brothers discussing ???

On home and a quiet afternoon in the AC....this afternoon is big Mardi Gras party here in the park. Claire and I were to get together today for some girl fun, but she's still a bit under the weather. There's so much sickness going around - Covid, bronchitis, terrible long-lasting colds and coughs, etc.

We walked later in the afternoon and I did more planning of get togethers with friends - calendar is very full but doing my best to see those near and dear to us! 😄

Monday - February 16

80% of Florida is in a drought - very serious so we were happy to hear the rain coming down on Flo around 2 AM but only got 2/10". But this morning and all day, everything so fresh, sunny with a high of 79.

Mark and I walked around 9 - haven't been doing much of that lately! Then he set to work on the taxes and I played canasta (wore my sunglasses for part of the time). My partners (Cheryl and Linda) lost to Barb, Margaret and Patti. First time I've played in a while and will be 3 weeks till I can play again....arghhh

Back home, fixed lunch, did some laundry and more icing, icing, icing!! My left eye looks better than the right which is a little swollen with some bruising.

Today was the Mardi Gras parade at 4:00 here in the park - always fun and today there were 15 golf carts and 2 bikes decorated throwing out beads and candy. We sat with our neighbors, Buddy, JoAnn (and granddaughter Autumn) and Gary and Brenda.

We were supposed to get together with Barb and Roger today, but Barb is still dealing with Covid.

We had orange chicken with vegetable rice from Trader Joe's for supper - sooo yummy!

Sunday - February 15

Nice sunny Sunday, but very windy. We went to 9:30 Mass at St. Francis with Father Robert. We had planned to go downtown for coffee/light breakfast, but....oh my, police were everywhere including a SWAT vehicle on all the streets going downtown and blocked off with barricades. Not sure what was going on??? But decided to get away from that area and went to Starbucks on Palm Beach Boulevard.

On home and back to the icing....I've got a little bruising going on and starting today, have an anti-bruising cream to use 2x a day.

So sad to hear that a good friend (Lisa) of our NC kiddos who lives at Lake James passed away after a long valiant battle with cancer. Lisa was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 10-12 years ago, then in remission for 8 years when it came back very aggressively. Lisa was only 60 and she and Andy have 2 sons and 2 daughters. I met her at the camp - lovely lady.

Jim stopped by this afternoon and he and Mark discussed various cruises and cruise lines.

Ten siblings on zoom tonight - Doris had an accident with her 1-year old Lexus (hybrid) and then a fire started and car was totaled. Quite the story. Janet is subbing for another math teacher and has a terrible cold; Tom and Beth are in Orlando (Tom's last official business meeting with the bank before retirement); Joan talked about her little getaway to Marco Island and Theresa talked about Mike and her visit to a reptile museum which she really enjoyed.

So, that's it for me.....nighty night! Enjoy your week Doris will be joining us here in Fort Myers Thursday-Sunday.

Valentine's Day - 2026

Day 2 after surgery - more icing, resting and being well taken care of by my nurse (Mark) again,,, who's been with me thru 2 shoulders, kidney stones, broken bones in my foot/ankle and now the eyes! He's so patient and kind!!! 💘 my funny Valentine!!!

We met our long-time friends (since the 70s) for our 3rd outing this week at Cooper's Hawk. Been a long time tradition of getting together on Valentine's Day and past several years have been at CH (usually in Naples, but so happy we have one now in Fort Myers).

And a wonderful lunch with wine was enjoyed by all....sad to say good bye to Don and Cathy who will fly home to Colorado tomorrow....God willing, we can continue our Valentine's Day tradition next year.

Mark, Pat, Connie, Steve, Cathy, Don

Stopped at WalMart and on home.

Arghhhh....here we go again with the USPS. I mailed Liam's birthday card to Anne since he was going to be home a few days after his birthday (February 4th). Anne kept saying it had never arrived....till today! Mailed January 23rd from Fort Myers to Bloomington and arrived February 14th. 😟😟😟

Lucky Luke got to fly today thru the Eagle organization.

Friday - February 13

I'm back blogging squinty eyes and all. Had a good night with my head elevated and icing when awake 20+ minutes each hour. Also, no bending, lifting (more than 10#) or stretching.

Sunglasses are a must and trying to stay out of the sun, but they feel good indoors, too.

Mark played euchre today with Marsha, Arlene and Estelle. He and Estelle won both games. On back to Flo and we left a bit later for Blossom and Brie where we met Steve, Connie, Don and Cathy. They loved this wonderful place in the country - great ambiance, food and even got a personal tour by Rodney (owner) inside the container where they grow all the greens. They were very busy and along with a private event in the barn, the restaurant served over 250 today for lunch,

They walked around outside seeing the animals. I sat in the shade and Connie joined me. Such a gorgeous day to be out in the country.

We all came back to CT and enjoyed sitting on our patio with laughs, reminiscing (where we've celebrated Valentine's Day since 2008 - Steve, Connie and us) and later with friends, Sharon, Harry, Sue, Jerry and Don and Cathy. We had dessert and enjoyed our memories.

Don, Mark, Steve

Connie, Pat, Cathy

I really appreciate the kind notes from family/friends asking how I'm doing with the eyes! And big thank you for the chocolates and coffee gift card!

Sad to hear that 2 of my dear friends here in Florida have Covid! UGH...that stuff just won't go away!

Have a great weekend and...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Thursday - February 12

I did some laundry and walked to the library to play rummiKub, but NO one showed up! Bummer....sooo much going on here in the park, outside the park and sickness!

Remainder posted by Mark:

Early afternoon we left for St. Mark's surgery center for Pat's scheduled eyelid surgery. This is to improve her vision. It was a short surgery but she was there for 2 1/2 hours total.

Surgery went well and she is resting tonight. Using ice packs at least 20 minutes every hour.

Only restriction is no lifting over 5 pounds for a week. See Doctor in one week.

She should be back doing the blog tomorrow.

Wednesday - February 11

Mostly cloudy today but in the 70's....I had a mani/pedi with Alisa at Profiles downtown. After parking Ruby, I walk right past Peter's, so stopped in for a latte before the pampering!

On home, we had lunch, folded some laundry and then we were off to Captiva. Stopped at Boops (ice cream, coffee, dessert spot connected with the Bubble Room) for 3 slices of orange crunch cake, This is really good stuff and I first heard about it a few years ago from Paul, my hand therapist. So, one slice for Claire, JoAnn and us!

Then to The Green Flash to meet Connie, Steve, Don and Cathy for linner. Don and Cathy just returned from their Panama Canal Cruise - we were all long-time friends thru bridge. Don and Cathy moved to Colorado a few years ago but so happy they are back for Valentine's Day.

Lunch was sooo good and memories of being here on Catrina several years ago (we think 2014).

Final stop was Captiva Cruises (Steve and Connie's son, Brad is part owner) for our sunset cruise aboard the Lady Chadwick. Today was mostly cloudy and 7 degrees cooler on Captiva than when we left CT. But by late afternoon, the sun came out and it was perfect with deep blue clear skies. So much fun to be together....last year when Don and Cathy visited, Steve and Connie were sick so the 6 of us were not able to all be together.

Steve, Mark, Don

Connie, Cathy, Pat

Don, Cathy, Pat, Mark, Connie, Steve

Beautiful ending to our day

Tuesday - February 10

Mark was up at 5 AM to see Marilyn and Jim off to the airport. We got the she shed back in order converting Marilyn's Motel back to Pat's laundry room!

Sharon texted about coming over to play games this afternoon. She and Darrell arrived and we played Swoop (Mark won) and SkyJo won by Sharon. Another lovey day to be outdoors. We left at 3:30 for Cooper's Hawk and joined by Jim, Lydia, Tom and Peggy. Wonderful meals enjoyed by all. We had a 4:00 reservation and that's the time to go as not crowded at all. A few hours later....another story! Said out good byes to Tom and Peggy - they have 2 more days in Fort Myers, so have fun things planned. Back to CT and said good bye to Sharon and Darrell who fly home Thursday afternoon. Sure have enjoyed these family visits. Next up is Doris (another sister) coming in next week.

Peggy, Sharon, Lydia, Pat

Jim, Darrell, Tom, Mark

Monday - February 9

Whoaaa...we are loving this weather - cool mornings and evenings and delightful 70ish afternoons with lots of sunshine!

Mark, Marilyn and I were off to downtown and after we had our treats at Peter's (coffee, muffins and German donuts), Mark left for his haircut with Jose and Marilyn and I went for a long walk around downtown - beautiful morning! After Mark's haircut we headed home and 1/2 hour later, we left for Rib City and lunch with Mark's family....11 of us met for yummy ribs or other BBQ and sides. Lots of chatter and fun .

Then to CT and all gathered on our patio for visiting and dessert and Joan made her awesome orange crushes. What a fun afternoon laughing, reminiscing and catching up.

From Left:

Jim, Joe, Joan, Sharon, Darrell, Mark, Marilyn, Pat, Peggy, Tom, Lydia

Tom (our brother-in-law) and Peggy from IL are enjoying SWFL after 5 days in Key West and then their country and western music cruise to the western Caribbean and now several days in Fort Myers.

Tom and Peggy

Sharon (sister) and Darrell from Louisville, flew in last night and will be in Fort Myers till Thursday night.

Sharon and Darrell

Joan (sister) and Joe came from Arcadia

Joan and Joe

Jim (brother) and Lydia from CT

Jim, Lydia, Marilyn

Marilyn from IL who's been with us and flying home tomorrow.

Marilyn with her latte and German donut

Pat, Marilyn, Mark

Marilyn, Mark and I played 3-handed euchre - I won 3 games and Mark won 1. Lots of fun and I was thrilled with the really good cards I got (sooo unusual for me) 😃

Said our good byes to Marilyn who flies home tomorrow. Jim will take her to the airport EARLY. We've sure enjoyed her visit! She has a list of things she wants to do when she comes next year! 😂

Sunday - February 8

Another beautiful day....we went to 9:30 Mass with Father Steve at St. Francis. Then to the Oasis for breakfast. While we were there, the EMT's came with stretcher and took a lady away in their rescue squad. Apparently she fainted while in the handicapped stall of the bathroom. She was sitting up on the stretcher as she left the restaurant.

We picked up a few things at Publix, stopped at ATM and on home. We 3 all took a nap.

The L (50th) Super Bowl (February 7, 2016) was in Santa Clara, CA and now 10 years later, LX (60th), the Super Bowl will be played in Santa Clara. We remember so well 10 years ago as Ryan and the Blue Angels did a flyover - soo exciting. Mark and I were at Water's Edge RV Park in Okeechobee with Daisy and the campers all gathered in the clubhouse to watch. Michael's Carolina Panthers played the Denver Broncos - Panthers lost 24-10, but what a thrill for Michael and friends to be there to see Ryan and watch the game.

Blair was in a cheer competition this weekend and her team came in 1st place! WOW....so happy and excited for them,. They'll be competing in Florida in early May! But we'll be back in IL....😒

Jim and Lydia came over in the afternoon. We played SkyJo (Mark won); 5-handed euchre (Lydia and I won) and then as the temperature dropped and the wind picked up, we moved indoors and had sub sandwiches, chips and brownie bites. Fun afternoon.

Marilyn and I played RummiKub after they left and I won.

I wasn't on zoom tonight but sounds like a variety of subjects discussed and looking forward to more family coming tomorrow.

Enjoy the week ahead...

Saturday - February 7

Ahhhh, our wonderful Florida weather is back! Today was sunny, breezy and upper 70s. We 3 left for Buckingham Farms and met Jim and Lydia for breakfast. What a busy place as they had "Stella's Coffee" trailer there + their 1st market vendors, Luckily we got a table and Mark and Jim were in line with about 15+ before them. We girls ordered our coffees....all very good and after breakfast, we checked out the vendors with Lydia and Marilyn buying some cute key chains from Destiny (my hairdresser) and her husband, James.

Marilyn rode home with Jim and Lydia while Mark and I were off to Barbara Mann Theater to get tickets for "Moulin Rouge" for the 4 of us in April. Can't wait (thanks Anne and boys for this Christmas present)! And thank you, Claire for recommending it! Picked up a few things at Trader Joe's and on home.

Lydia and Marilyn went for a ride around the park in their rental golf cart....

Marilyn and Lydia out for a ride

So excited that Janet (Mark's sister) and Michael have booked their VRBO for 2 weeks in 2027 (same one they had this year)!

We walked and stopped in with some lacy cookies for Jim, Lydia and Marilyn who are playing games under their gazebo. Later we stopped in for a visit - so much to catch up on with Jim and Lydia since they were gone for a month. AND, Jim fixed me an iced caramel latte which was delish!

Lydia brought us home in the golf cart. And later we all went to the Rib Fest (3rd annual here at CT) and a huge success feeding 350+ folks. The rib folks have been cooking the ribs for past 2 days - they are sooo meaty and tender + baked beans, au gratin potatoes and cornbread. Sooo yummy and fun visiting with folks. This large committee does an outstanding job of serving getting everyone thru in very timely fashion.

When the music got LOUD, Mark and Marilyn were ready to head home. It sure cooled off from the time we walked to the clubhouse. We played 3 rousing games of euchre with Mark winning 2x and Marilyn, the final game.

A very fun day with beautiful weather.

Friday - February 6

Marilyn's plane landed 38 minutes early last night. Jim brought her to us, Mark got her settled in "Marilyn's Motel" and we all went to bed.

Welcome Marilyn

Sunny day but with the wind, another chilly one. Those ole palm trees were really whipping around.

Marilyn and I left for Peter's downtown for our coffee (raspberry mocha lattes for Valentine's Day) - I remember these from last February. We each had a muffin and then Marilyn got a manicure with Alisa at Profiles. This is the big weekend of the Arts Festival which brings thousands to town. Streets were closed off and tents were going up. It starts tonight and goes thru Sunday evening.

We stopped at Publix to get some decaf coffee and on home. While we were gone, Mark played euchre with Estelle, Michelle and Beth in the library.

Marilyn and I played RummiKub, had lunch, she and Mark took naps and then we played more RummiKub and finally 3-handed euchre (I won)! Jim and Lydia picked Marilyn up at 3:30 and they were off for a massage for Marilyn and then dinner at Culver's. Mark and I had left-over pizza.

So today was a special occasion for our family. In 2000, Mark bought a GMC 1/2 ton extended cab pickup in emerald green. We loved that truck and later sold it to Philip who enjoyed it for many years and named it "Kermit" (the frog). He sold it at some point to his friend Jeff in WI. And now, 26 years later, Drew is the proud new owner......26 years, 3 generations and 222,222 miles later, it's back in the family! 😀

We wish Drew all the best with Kermit

Shelly

Forgot to include this pic of Shelly and her bag of treasures she bought yesterday.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - February 5

A very fun day in Fort Pierce. We left Stuart at 8:40 and headed to Fort Pierce (1/2 hour north) - all these towns (Stuart, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce) run into one another - no vacant land in between.

We stopped at Publix for a few things and then enjoyed the Old Florida Coffee Co. for breakfast (guava/cheese pastry for Mark and white chocolate/raspberry scone for me) + our coffees. All delish. We sat with our I-pads and had some light drizzle off and on. We met our friends Jim and Shelly from WI at Rosslow's for some retail therapy (Shelly and me) while the guys sat and visited. So good to see them....our once-a-year visit and lunch (usually in Okeechobee). Mark and Jim worked together at SF and they moved to WI after Jim retired. They spend 6 weeks in Cocoa Beach.

Shelly loved Rosslow's - great ladies clothing, baby/children and gift department. She has some little ones to buy for, so that was fun + 2 new tops for herself. Nothing for me....I did my damage in Stuart!

We had lunch at Cobb's Landing - very good and nice 'n cozy indoors with curtains down. We said our good byes with a hopeful thought of getting together in late April or early May if we're all in Bloomington and can meet at Lucca Grill for an a la Baldini pizza? Shelly and I LOVE this!!! So fun to be together again!

Mark, Pat, Shelly, Jim

On home and rained as we were leaving Fort Pierce, but not for too long and later, the sun came out. But the winds were ferocious and crazy when we got back to CT (gusts at 29 mph). Good to be home. Unloaded the car, unpacked the suitcase and made sure "Marilyn's Motel" (aka as the she shed) was all ready for her arrival later tonight. Jim will be picking her up at the Punta Gorda airport.

We picked up Jim and Lydia and off to the clubhouse for euchre. 5 tables tonight. Fun but no winnings for Mark or me.

The wind has died down fortunately, but the cold continues!

Wednesday - February 4

HAPPY "21st" BIRTHDAY

LIAM

Liam

Liam Patrick (our 3rd grandson) arrived the morning of February 4, 2005. We remember so well Patrick carrying his brand new bundle of joy and first-born son down the hallway to meet his grandparents!

How we wish Patrick could be here to see this young man. Anne's a proud Mama for sure

And now 21 years later, he's a junior at the University of Iowa majoring in Computer Science and Math. He's also working part time and running/swimming/biking keeping in shape for marathons and triathlons. He's got oodles of energy, loves to cook and has a fun sense of humor. You make us proud, Liam!!!

Mark and I left CT at 8:40 this morning for our little getaway to Stuart (2 1/2 hours). We stopped in LaBelle for coffee/breakfast at the Bridge Street Coffee and Tea Co. (aka Charlie's to the locals). I drove from CT to Okeechobee and then Mark took over. Parked downtown and I hit the Flagler Avenue shops. It's been 7 years since we were in Stuart (visited here frequently when we had Daisy in Okeechobee). Some of the shops are the same, a few different, but so enjoyed strolling and browsing. Then we went to Sewell's Point for more good shopping (Mark stayed in the car with his I-pad or napped). I was even offered (and accepted) a glass of wine at a new shop that opened a few weeks ago and still celebrating their "Grand Opening" with wine, cheese/crackers, strawberries, grapes, and little cookies + water to go! WOW....pretty neat!

We had linner at "Waterfront" - pretty restaurant on the water....enjoyed our meals and then walked a bit, but chilly along the boardwalk. Checked into our hotel and wound down for the day!

Had a great chat with Liam.....he's had a busy day starting with a 19-mile virtual stationary bike ride with Connor. He had 4 classes, went for a run, fixed dinner and treated himself to some salted caramel/brownie ice cream!

Tuesday - February 3

We were down to our lowest this morning at 31, but it warmed up nicely. In fact, the sunshine felt so good and the best part was no wind! We got to 67.

I got a haircut with Destiny at 9 and then Mark went to WalMart for a Rx and other stuff. I left at 10:50 for Cristof's to meet Claire for lunch - no sitting on the patio today and they were busy inside. As always enjoyed lunch and visiting.

Pat and Claire

I did some laundry and tidied up the she shed preparing for Mark's sister Marilyn's visit. She's flying in late Thursday night.

We went to the 4:00 documentary of "Melania" - the 20 days leading to the inauguration. It was excellent - she is such a beautiful, classy and fun First Lady.

Then to Bella Mia's for pizza in North Fort Myers - very good. On home. Tomorrow we are going on a little getaway to Stuart (east coast) and spending the night. Thursday, we're meeting State Farm friends for lunch. And then on back to CT.

Monday - February 2

Today was our coldest temp of the season @ 32. And breezy which always makes it feel colder! I picked up Diane and Lydia so we didn't have to walk to the clubhouse. Lydia is still using here wheeled walker and too darn cold to be out very long - she and Jim are getting acclimated to this weather after spending 2 weeks in Aruba and 2 weeks cruising.

We were off to play canasta - 32 ladies today. Started out good with my partners (Beth and Becky) but we ended up losing badly to Margaret, Diane and Cheryl

Took Diane and Lydia home, chatted with Mark a bit (he finished wiping the wax off Flo) and then Jo Ann and Buddy joined us for what we thought would be lunch at Backyard Social. We weren't sure of this place with the cold weather (big bar and then open area surrounded by food trucks). Buddy and Jo Ann had never been so we walked around (some folks sitting outside in the sun, but inside was very chilly.) At least 3 of the food trucks were not open and 2 others were not there? So....we decided to go to BJ's which is closeby and always good food. It was cold there, too.....arghhh. Even the waitresses were complaining??? So we kept our coats on but we all had their special (different combos + a Pizookie) for $13.99 What a deal. Soup and salad for all (delish) and then Buddy, Jo Ann and Mark had triple chocolate warm cookie in a little skillet with vanilla ice cream and I had a toffee crunch cookie with vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel...................WONDERFUL!!!!

We drove around a bit, stopped at Coffee Rush and on home....oink oink! Fun time with these great neighbors/friends!

We got to 58 today...but warmer temps coming soon (I hope?)

We've received 4 more Christmas/New Year's cards the past few days....either mail is slow or folks are just getting around to doing their cards? At any rate, always enjoy getting them.

Sunday - February 1

Yikes....February came into Florida with cold and wind. We had 34 this morning but the strong winds made it feel soo cold. We went to 6;30 Mass with Father Steve - it was cold in church and we had our heaviest jackets on!!!

Stopped at Dean Street Coffee Roasters for coffee and a cheese Danish and on home. I did some laundry. The sun feels good though. Two more very cold mornings coming up before it will finally start to warm up.

We met Mike and Claire, Herb and Dana at Dixie Fish Co., but decided not to stay as folks coming out said it was very cold (it's open air but with curtains and heaters, still COLD). So next door is Doc Ford's but that was a 1 hour wait - onto Pincher's where they had plenty of room and nice 'n cozy. We all enjoyed our meals and then to Mike and Claire's on the beach for games (313 and Left, Right, Center) which Mark won both games. We had some delicious cake and ice cream. Very enjoyable afternoon out of the brutal cold and wind. On home.

Mike, Herb, Mark

Claire, Dana, Pat

Zoom tonight was 7 siblings - weather, Jim and Lydia are back from their cruise, restaurant week (we had never heard of this), etc.

Stay warm.....